16 June 2026

Think This Fuel Tank Setup Looks Safe? Look Again.

Think This Fuel Tank Setup Looks Safe? Look Again.

At first glance, a farm fuel tank setup might look completely fine—but hidden risks are often easy to miss. Over time, small issues can develop into serious safety, environmental, and maintenance problems.

Take a look at the illustration below and see if you can identify the five hazards before checking the answers.

Answers:

Here are the five hidden risks in this setup:

1. Trip hazards on the ground
Pallets, tools, and debris left around the tank area create trip hazards and increase fire risk.

2. Dry vegetation around the tank
Long grass and weeds near fuel storage significantly increase fire risk, especially in hot or dry conditions.

3. Cracked support leg
Damage to the tank’s support structure can compromise stability and lead to long-term safety concerns.

4. Missing ladder handrail
Without a secure handrail, safe access is reduced and the risk of falls increases.

5. Missing tank labelling
Fuel type and safe fill levels are not clearly identified, increasing the risk of handling and compliance issues.

How Safe Is Your Setup?

The hazards in this illustration are easy to spot, but in reality issues can develop gradually and often go unnoticed. Regular inspections can help identify potential safety, maintenance and environmental risks early, before they become costly problems.

Download our Above-Ground Fuel Tank Safety Checklist and take five minutes to assess your setup

Above-Ground Fuel Tank Safety Checklist